Interview with the President of New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Orating Health recently interviewed the president of the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine to better understand how to better help local clinics and practitioners as well as gain insight into changing standards of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). With the increasing popularity of acupuncture in Western societies, attention has turned towards the legitimacy of TCM herbal treatments including herbs like ginseng and rhizoma coptidis. 

Dr. Chen, a graduate of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and now president of the NYCTCM, has noted an uptick in TCM users since the pandemic. He specifically noted the use of Chinese herbs to treat weakened immune and lung capabilities due to COVID-19. However, due to the lack of resources in Western nations and logistical complications when it comes to importing Chinese herbs, he notes that it is difficult for herbal treatments to gain a foothold in America. 

With the branding of Traditional Chinese Medicine largely shifting to acupuncture in the Western world, many of the students at his college attend to attain licenses for acupuncture. With more licensed doctors and interested patients, most private insurance companies have started covering acupuncture. More recently, Medicare has made efforts to include more hospitals that offer TCM alternatives for patients. 

Acupuncture has achieved a reputation for its almost immediate results compared to physical therapy which can take several months to a year to reach its full effectiveness. Acupuncture on the other hand, can relieve pain almost immediately if done right. Dr. Chen also furthered, stating that while TCM and acupuncture has many variations in countries like China and Korea, in the Western world, only the most popular modes have been able to penetrate the market. 

However, Dr. Chen notes that a lack of job opportunities for newly graduated doctors still remains an issue he and his colleagues have been working to combat. By spreading awareness about Traditional Chinese Medicine, he hopes that more people will begin to recognize and seek the practice.